Person:Alice Ruttan (1)

Short woman 4'9". Was adopted. (?) I think my father, Clarence, said she was French Canadian. She and James Byron Lowe were married by a Methodist minister. A note in the Ruttan Family book in the loyalist Culture Center at Napanee, Ontario simply states that Alice married Mr. Lowe. The marriage was witnessed by Bertie Rorabeck and Wilmot Lowe. After she and JBL seperated around 1918 or 1919 and were later divorced they both lived in Centralia, WA. Later moved to Auburn and married Charles A. West. They both attended an Assy of God in Auburn. He, and maybe, she was a musician in church band. She was buried in a cemetery in Auburn. Funeral 11/23/1945. Was deemed an US citizen on 3/16/36 by virtue of James Byron Lowe's naturalization.

Per an interview I had with Irene Bray on 3/25/1994 she had the following information. A cassette tape was made of the interview.

AML had heart trouble. Died in Auburn WA. Rode a bicycle. She had a "big" ranch near Tenino, WA where they raised cattle, horses, chickens, etc. She took care of "the boys", Elmer and Marion, Jesse and apparently Clarence.

Stella and Louella lived nearby and dated E and M. She didn't approve of the girls as they were "wordly" and "it wouldn't turn out right". She was old fashioned Free Methodist and dressed in their style, plain and conservative. The family would all sing around the piano and AML "ruled the roost". At breakfast everyone was required to sit at the table while she read from the Bible.

She may have been a midwife and was a circuit preacher who hook up the horse and buggy and go around the area preaching in churches while the regular circuit preacher was doing his rounds of other churches.

She and JBL lived in Puyallup around the late 1910's or early 1920's. Clarence attended school through the 7th grade and part, at least, in Puyallup He was born in 1906. This was same time that Irene's mother came to Puyallup with Emil Green and Irene.

She attended a Nazarene church when she lived in Auburn and married West. He played violin. They argued a lot about religion and it wasn't a happy marriage. They had met through an ad in a newspaper or a lonely hearts club. She predeceased West. West was a cigar smoker. She was a very independent person. Raised goats and later Tressie raised them. Made cheese from the goat's milk.

Centralia/Chehalis City Directory 1914-1915 gives "Lowe A M hRD 2 ($266) If this is the case she and JBL were seperated prior to the date above of 1918-19.

Same source 1922-23 Lowe, Alice M Mrs Nurse 1330 Central Blvd hdo (Also Jesse listed there)

Same source 1927-28 Only Percy listed but not AML

She was living at 303 Pike in Auburn, WA according to her certificate of citizenship. The certificate gives her description as age 67; blue eyes; brown hair; 4'9"; 120 pounds; widow.